Private Tour
Private Day Tour: Charyn Canyon & Kolsay Lake
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Why choose our Private Experience?
Unlike the big crowded bus tours, we offer a journey that feels like traveling with a local friend who knows all the secrets of Kazakhstan. Here is what sets us apart:
100% Flexible & Private: This tour is just for you and your group. We don’t follow a rigid schedule. Want to spend an extra hour at the lake or stop for a photo in a random field of wildflowers? It’s your call.
The "Hidden" Canyons: Most tours only show you the main Charyn Canyon. We take you deeper to the Moon Canyon, where you can enjoy and see more.
SUV Comfort: Forget about bumpy old vans. You’ll travel in a clean, modern, and air-conditioned 4x4 SUV, perfectly equipped for mountain roads. We always have fresh bottled water inside
Expert Local Storytelling: We don't just give you dates and facts. We share the legends, the history, and the modern life of Almaty
Stress-Free Experience: From hotel pickup to the best lunch spots in local villages, we handle every detail
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Time travel is added to the total time duration.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Charyn Canyon National Park
Prepare to be awestruck by one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Central Asia. Stretching for 154 kilometers, Charyn Canyon is a geological masterpiece carved by the Charyn River over 12 million years. Its most famous part, the "Valley of Castles," looks like a scene from an ancient legend. What you will do: Epic Hike: We will hike through the bottom of the canyon (approx. 2-3 km), surrounded by towering red sandstone walls that reach up to 300 meters high. Identify the "Castles": See the unique rock formations that resemble giant fortresses, towers, and mystical figures sculpted by nature's hand. River Oasis: At the end of the trail, we’ll reach the Charyn River, where you can rest in the shade of ancient Ash trees and enjoy the cool breeze by the rushing water. Top-Down Views: We will also visit the upper panoramic viewpoints for that iconic "Grand Canyon" photo that everyone wants to take.
Next you will have another 1,30 hours of beautiful road to Kolsay River. On arrival our gide will show you all the beuty of this place. In Kolsay lake area there some acitivities you can take up on your choise like horse walking, swimming on boats, walking on the Lake area. Usually this activity takes about 2 hours but depending on our guests it can take more. The way back to the Almaty city takes 4 dirivng hours. So, dear adventurer, Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lake awaits, ready to unfold its stories and wonders from beginning to end.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pick up from any place
Tour Guide
Pickup points
Hotel Kazakhstan
Dostyk Ave., 52/2, Almaty Kazakhstan
Intercontinental Almaty By IHG
181 Zheltoksan Street, Almaty Kazakhstan
The Ritz-carlton, Almaty
Esentai Tower, 77/7 Al Farabi Avenue, 77/7 Al Farabi Avenue Almaty Kazakhstan
Almaty Hotel
85 Kabanbai Batyr Street Almaty Kazakhstan
Rixos Almaty
506 99 Saken Seifullin Avenue, Almaty Kazakhstan
DoubleTree by Hilton Almaty
115 Dosmukhamedov Street Almaty Kazakhstan
Almaty Airport
Almaty Kazakhstan
Novotel Almaty City Center
Dostyk Avenue 104 A Almaty Kazakhstan
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty
Gogol, 127/1, Almaty Kazakhstan
The Dostyk Hotel
36 Kurmangazy str., (corner of Kunaev str.) Almaty Kazakhstan
Options
Canyon
Business: We offer a high-standard journey designed for travelers who value comfort and quality
Duration: 15 hours
Complimentary water
SUV
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake with SERGEY!!!
Cruiser10567328004,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience to visit Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake. The drive was incredible and safe, while the natural beauty of the landscape was simply breathtaking. A must-visit destination to enjoy nature at its purest and most serene. Sergey, our tour guide, played a key role in making this trip memorable. He ensured safety and road discipline at all times and was always present with our group during the site visits to share valuable insights and fascinating facts about each location. His deep knowledge, warm personality, and infectious enthusiasm truly elevated the experience. Sergey was attentive to everyone's needs and made us feel welcome and cared for throughout the journey. We are grateful for such a well-organized, enjoyable, and unforgettable trip!
Dreamiest Kazakhstan Trip, Thanks to our Tour Guide Sergey!
suzannerA1812SG,Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the absolute pleasure of having the most incredible tour guide SERGEY during our trip to Kazakhstan. It was a 3 nights 4 days trip and from the very beginning, he went above and beyond to ensure our journey was not only safe and smooth, but truly unforgettable. His deep knowledge, attention to detail, and thoughtful nature made every moment feel special. What stood out the most was his kindness—he didn’t just feel like a guide, he felt like a friend. Whether it was sharing local stories, ensuring we were always comfortable, or simply making us laugh, he brought so much heart into everything he did. I would return to Kazakhstan just to experience that same warmth and hospitality again. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone visiting—100% worth it!
Just go for it!
Connector10726011037,Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hands down the best tour there is! Our guide took excellent care of us on both the days. He pre-booked entry tickets for us wherever it was needed. He was super knowledgable regarding the sites & history associated with the country. 10/10 would reccomend this tour.
Excellent tour on comfortalbe car
847ankurm,Feb 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a very pleasant trip. Our guide Igor was very professional, he knows all routs and the program he made really helped to save time and see all places hustle free. I really recommend this tour, it's all private and you can ask to stop a car anytime for photos or just seeing.
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